REPORT | PCM | Melbourne Friday 27 November

[Edited extract from public address]

To make a powerful message for delegates to the UNFCCC CoP21 in Paris, 60,000+ people assembled in Melbourne, with millions more to march around the world over subsequent days.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are among the first and worst impacted by global warming, which is why they led the People’s Climate March – putting climate justice front and centre of the better world we are creating.

Near the end of the march, a minute’s silence was held to honour those impacted by climate change already, and reflect on the hope and determination we hold collectively for our future. People raising their hands in the air was the sign the moment of silence was beginning.

Then, high-profile singers joined a big bunch of community choirs to raise our united voice for a brighter future. Organisers aimed to be so loud, travelling politicians would hear the message all the way to Paris.

Contributor and participant Virginia Mosk offered these constructive advices how we can all play a daily role:

-- minimise unnecessary driving cars, cycle and walk instead, 

-- support local small traders instead of driving across town to shop

-- consider installing solar panels on our roof tops

-- install and use rainwater tanks

-- switch our bank accounts to ethic banks and providers

-- take holidays in this magnificent country of ours in preference to going overseas

-- consider eating less meat (or none at all)

-- consume less and be mindful of not wasting food (not one grain of rice)

-- not buy anything unnecessarily (clutter and waste of resources)

-- cease, and if not cease, reduce, reuse, recycle plastic and single-use bags

-- we will care for our natural environment and help it to reinvigorate itself,

-- care for our oceans

-- assist in educating impoverished and homeless wherever they are in the world, 

And if we do one, some or all of these things, we will become more attuned and more kind and actually doing so many other things to heal this beautiful, unique planet"

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People's Climate March
http://www.peoplesclimate.org.au/

Images reproduced with gratitude from Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)